The Big Read

In 2016, the Big Read, run in association with the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, is inviting you to discover P.D. James’ classic and pioneering crime novel, ‘An Unsuitable Job for a Woman’.

The Festival’s Reader-In- Residence and bestselling crime author Mari Hannah will be touring libraries across the North of England and opening up the discussion online at bigread.org.uk, inviting readers to celebrate the life and work of one of the world’s greatest writers and the true Grande dame of mystery. An Unsuitable Job for a Woman introduces Cordelia Gray, the first modern female detective in crime fiction. At the time of creating Cordelia Gray, P.D. James worked as a civil servant in the crime department of the Home Office. Regarding this novel, she wrote: “I wanted to have a young heroine of courage and intelligence who faces the problems of life with a determination to be successful in a job which everyone else thinks she won’t be able to do.”

Mari will be visiting South Elmsall Library on Wednesday 11th May at 11.00am to discuss the Big Read book. To reserve a place and collect your free copy of ‘An Unsuitable Job for a Woman’ call in at South Elmsall Library. You can also book a place by calling them on 01977 723220 or emailing southelmsalllibrary@wakefield.gov.uk but don’t forget to call in to pick up the book so you can take part in the discussion on 11th May!